Indian Premier League has entertained
millions of cricket lovers since its inception in 2008. Lying in South Asian
region could be the uppermost reason behind huge impact of IPL in Nepal as
well. Be it Shakti Gauchan being called by Rajasthan Royals for trial in 2012
or be it mouth-watering signing of Sandeep Lamichhane by Delhi Daredevils (now
Delhi Capitals) in 2018, we have been driven by its impact. Due to the
outspread of Covid- 19, 12th edition of IPL is commencing from
September 19 in U.A.E so it's time you fasten your seat belt if you don't want
to miss the fun.
Till this time we have seen 5 winners at
IPL viz. Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai
Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Among the current teams Delhi Capitals, Kings
XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore have not lifted the trophy yet.
Focusing on the players, rookie and possible strategies, let's look at the odds
on how these three teams could amaze in the season.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals is one of that team who
have had a dismal performance throughout all seasons of IPL. DC always had a
tough time with not much differences on being led by Virender Sehwag back in
days or Shreyas Iyer in recent season. From the current teams of IPL, DC is the
only one who have never featured in the finals. This wounding stat in a way
reflects the sufferings of DC.
DC have added some big names in their
squad during the trade window and auction. They must be pleased with the incoming
of proficient IPL players like Ajinkya Rahane and R.Ashwin. The batting lineup
will highly rely on the players like Shreyas Iyer, Rishab Pant and left
hand-right hand opening pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Prithivi Shaw. Australian
wicket-keeper batsman Alex Carey and young West-Indian super hitter Shimron
Hetmyer has to be major addition to the side in 2020. The bowling unit of DC
features second highest wicket taker of IPL Amit Mishra, South African seam
bowler Kagiso Rabada, lanky Indian bowler Ishant Sharma alongside mystery
spinner of Nepal Sandeep Lamichhane.
Lamichhane had praiseworthy presence in
the recently concluded Carribean Premier League (CPL). Lamichhane is expected
to have a tough battle with the spinning duo of Ashwin and Mishra to make it
into playing-XI. Let's hope he will prove his best whenever he has a chance.
Besides, they will need to fill and fix
the vacancy of the released players, especially Chris Morris for his all-round
role. Marcus Stoinis is one of DC's new signing who shall accompany Keemo Paul,
Axar Patel for the bat and ball responsibilities
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)
Due to the G.Maxwell's heroic season in
2014, KXIP almost clinched the title but ended as a runner up. Apart from
qualifying for semis in inaugural season and aforementioned 2014 season, IPL
has been a forgetful journey for KXIP. Leaving the woes on one side, what
thrills me about KXIP is Christopher Henry Gayle, the "Universe Boss"
as quoted by himself. It does not really matter how old he gets, he is the climax.
He surely is a definition of T20, isn't
he? Lately, there are numerous questions raised about the ageing of Gayle and
his inclusion in playing-XI. Due to this, he could be asked for the mentoring
roles too.
Apart from Gayle, KXIP have been stimulated
with the return of their onetime talisman Maxwell. No doubt that Maxwell still
has unbelievable strength in his arms. The new skipper KL Rahul alongside
Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan and Nicholas Pooran are other batsmen on who KXIP
would depend on. A noteworthy addition to the roster is batting all-rounder
James Neesham from New Zealand. Mohammed Shami will be joined by a bowler with
unorthodox celebration Sheldon Cotrell who has impressed in his last few games
for West Indies which earned him a debut season at IPL. Afghan teenager Mujeeb
Ur Rahman who took 16 wickets in CPL 2020 will look to continue the form with
his off-break bowling. Sam Curran and Andrew Tye have departed from KXIP,
however their biggest upset could be the exit of ex-captain R Ashwin. A
sizeable Indian name all the time has a serious influence in the games of IPL,
so KXIP should look forward to properly settle those gaps.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
The first image that comes to the mind
talking about RCB is one of the best trio T20 Cricket could ever have i.e.
Gayle, De Villiers and Kohli. Sad to say, RCB could not reach the summit even
with these forces for a long span of 7 years from 2011 to 2018 (now that Gayle
already left RCB in 2018). The current Indian captain Kohli has been an
inseparable gem of RCB from the beginning but has not tasted the coveted
success yet. RCB have lost on three finals although having a wonderful season.
RCB always had an incredible batting lineup, while their bowling unit is blamed
to be comparatively weaker.
RCB lied on bottom of the table last
season. Will the 13th season of IPL be a brand new story for them?
The bowling needs to endure the parting of Colin de Grandhome and Tim Southee.
To surprise, RCB have actually made some good transfer escorting in fast
bowlers like Kane Richardson, Isuru Udana and old hand Dale Steyn. Given the
opportunity to play, I believe Steyn still has the aura to be the centre of
attraction. The spin department led by Yuzvendra Chahal can now collaborate with
Aussie leg spinner Adan Zampa, the new recruit. RCB has also brought in a
charismatic opening batsman Aaron Finch. Finch is master of the game and will
definitely exhibit the essence of his inclusion. Furthermore, Chris Morris will
join Moeen Ali as an all-rounder which gives RCB an alternative to choose
between spin and seam bowling as the conditions demand. Like always, the hopes
are massive on RCB because of their fierce squad, though it remains to see how
they will rotate and use their diverse overseas options along with the Indian
bunch.
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